G V 



ATTRA6T10NS- 



mm 



5*ea^. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



©§itp, ©up^rtj^l !|o.. ... 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Spring SIeeI Eluh Skate, 




STYLE A.-Sizes from 1 to 9. 

The above cut represents our Half-Clamp Steel Club 
Skate, full nickeled ; wheels of Turkish boxwood, with 
metal bushing ; fair leather straps, with nickel-plated 
buckles. The bottom is cut fuom the best spring steel, 
and, from truck to truck, is slightly concave, which gives 
it strength without destroying all the elasticity, or add- 
ing to the weight ; and the bracket to which the trucks 
are attached is so constructed that straps can be used on 
this (as well as all of our Club Skates) in addition to the 
clamps. Ladies' sizes, from i to 4, are made with heel- 
guards, same as shown in cut of Style B. 



•o^o- 



FOR CIRCULARS AND PRICES, ADDRESS 

CONNER & MATHER MFG. CO. 

BICHMOITD, IWD. 



Malleable Iron Club Skate, 




STYLE B -Sizes from 1 to 9. 

The above cut represents our Malleable Iron Half- 
Clamp Club Skate. Full nickeled, with Turkish box- 
wood wheels, metal bushing, and fair leather straps. 
In appearance and finish is equal to our steel-bottom 
clubs — Style A— while it is cheaper, and those who like 
a perfectly rigid bottom, will find in this just what is 
wanted. 



FOR CIRCULARS AND PRICES, ADDRESS 

CONNER & MATHER MFG. CO. 

BIOHMOBTD, IND. 



CONTENTS. . 

PAGE 

Apple Race 26 

Apron Carnival .27 

Backward Race " .... 21 

Band March 25 

Barber Pole 26 

Base Ball 40 

Bell Race 23 

Bicycle and Skate Race 14 

Blind Race 30 

Boys' Race 30 

Calico Carnival 22 

Candle Race 32 

Carnivals 32 

Chicken Hunt 39 

Children's Candy Matinee 44 

Children's White Dress Carnival 36 

Chinese Lanterns in a Grand March 23 

Christmas Tree 43 

Collar Carnival 17 

Couple Carnival 35 

Couple Race 11 

Cracker Race 36 

P"an Carnival 35 

Fat Man's Night 35 

Fat Men's Race 24 

Flower Carnival 19 

Flower Contest 44 

Foot Ball 28 

Fox Drive 10 

Garden Party . *. 22 

Gold Hunt 42 

Hat Night 12 



CONTENTS. 

Historical Carnival 17 

Kazoo Race 19 

Lawn Tennis 49-5^ 

May Party 25 

May Pole 5 

Meal Race 15 

Mother Hubbard Party 30 

National Carnival 21 

Necktie Carnival 15 

Obstacle Race 37 

Old Folks Carnival 20 

Orange Race 8 

Penny Picking 34 

Pig Catch 16 

Polo 61 

Potato Race 28 

Prize Night 29 

Red, White and Blue Ribbon 39 

Reverse Race , 22 

Rink Ball 45 

Rink Rules 66 

Ring Tournament 11 

Skater Against Walker . 24 

Slow Race ;^^ 

Spectacle Carnival 34 

St. Valentine's Day 31 

Teeter-Totter Contest 13 

Wheelbarrow on Skates 27 






NICHOLSON'S 



RINK BOOK 



CONTAINING 



Over Sixty Choice and Novel Attractions 



FULL INSTRUCTIONS TO RINK MANAGERS. 



THOMAS ISriCHOLSOTsT. 






{CoJ>y}'ight Seczired.l / V* 

'"''36 1885 

PUBLISHED BY "^"^^^H^" WASHlVi^ 

NICHOLSON & BRO., 

Richmond, Ind. 
1886. 



/ 



^v. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1885, 

BY 

THOMAS NICHOLSON, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. 



J. M. COE, PR., 
RICHMOND. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



In the prejDaration of "Rink Attractions," the 
author indulges the hope that, by consulting them, man- 
agers of rinks may be relieved of much embarrassment 
in providing amusements for their patrons. While roller- 
skating is a delightful and healthful exercise, and enter- 
taining to those who skate, it soon becomes monotonous 
to the spectators, unless there shall be some diversion 
aside from plain roller-skating. It is for the entertain- 
ment of this class of patrons, and they form a considerable 
quantity in the general attendance, that led to the com- 
pilation of the amusements herein contained. 

We confidently believe that every manager will be 
amply repaid the price of the book, by the introduction 
of these attractions into his rink, in the increased attend- 
ance they will command. It has been the design of the 
author to add new features to old attractions, as well as 
to give many that are entirely new. 

The long and successful experience of the author in 
the management of one of the largest and finest rinks in 
the country, will, we trust, be appreciated by those who 
desire to make their rinks deservedly popular. 




liK WTTRiaTIOIS. 



■ tO^O«- 



THE MAY POLE. 

Place the pole in the center of the rink, and let 
it be long enough to extend from the floor to the 
ceiling, fastening it to the floor by boring a half- 
inch hole in the floor and inserting a peg in the 
center of the bottom part of the pole, and then set 
the peg in the hole. This arrangement will keep 
the May Pole firmly in position. To the top part 
of the pole eight, ten, or twelve ribbons are fas- 
tened, each ribbon being one-third longer than the 
pole, and each having a loop at the lower end. 
These ribbons should be about three inches and a 
half wide, and of red, white and blue color. The 
ribbons should be pinned up to the pole before the 
skating begins, in order to prevent them from get- 
ting soiled by lying on the floor. Describe a 



6 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

circle around the May Pole on the floor in black, 
the circle extending as far from the May Pole as 
the entire length of each ribbon will admit; then 
locate as many stations along the circle as there are 
persons to take part in the May Pole. Locate the 
stations equidistant from each other, and designate 
them by means of semi-circles, those for the gen- 
tlemen resting on the outside of the main circle, 
and those for the ladies resting on the inside of the 
main circle, and number the stations consecu- 
tively so that each person will know his or her sta- 
tion. At the sound of the gong or bell the floor 
should be cleared of skaters, and while this is being 
done the manager should go to the May Pole and 
unloosen the ribbons and place the end of each at 
its proper station, being careful that the ribbons do 
not get twisted or in any way any one interfering 
with the other. At a given signal the music, which 
should be a slow waltz time, begins, and immedi- 
ately the skaters start from their respective dressing 
rooms, skating once about the rink in couples, 
headed by the leader, and followed in such order 
that they will come in regular order at the several 
stations about the May Pole. After skating once 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 7 

about the rink, skate to the circle, leaving the 
ladies at their respective stations, and the gentle- 
men remaining near them. At a given signal from 
the leader each gentleman picks up his partner's 
ribbon and hands it to her, then skates to his own 
station, and then all gendemen at the same time 
pick up their own ribbons, facing partners ; at a 
signal they all form the grand chain, the ladies 
going to the left and the gentlemen to the right, 
each gentleman skating underneath his partner's 
ribbon, then outside the next lady, and so on, the 
ladies observing the same movements in the oppo- 
site direction, all being careful to maintain equal 
distances apart, continuing until the ribbons are 
braided about the pole to a point about seven feet 
from the floor. In the foregoing movements the 
ladies should hold the ribbon in their left hands, 
and the gendemen hold their ribbons in their right 
hands. 

Just prior to the completion of the braiding the 
manager should indicate the same by two sounds 
of a whistle just as partners are passing each other 
for the last time, in order that they may stop and 
partners be facing each other. At a given signal 



5 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

all turn half round, changing the ribbons to the 
other hand, and reverse the movement, the gentle- 
men skating outside of the lady facing him, and 
underneath the next ribbon, and so on, until 
the braiding is about half undone, then stop as 
before directed, with your partner at your side and 
all facing the pole ; then all skate to the pole and 
drop the ribbons ; then skate to the dressing room 
in couples. 

No one should be permitted to take part in the 
May Pole unless he or she can skate skillfully both 
to the right and left. The May Pole should be 
practiced several times before attempting to give it 
to an audience. The effect is made more beautiful 
by the ladies being dressed in white, and the gen- 
tlemen in conventional black or dark colore. 



ORANGE RACE. 

There should not be more than four contestants 
in this race. Place in the center of the rink a box 
containing oranges. At a given signal the con- 
testants should all start together from a given point, 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 9 

and skate to the box, take one orange from the 
box, then skate to the Hmit of the rink on the 
right and skate on around the ruik to the place of 
beginning, but without stopping, and proceeding 
as before. The participants are all to wear aprons, 
and they must hold the oranges in the apron. 
They are to be permitted to take only one orange at 
a time out of the box, and in case any one should 
drop an orange from his apron in the course of his 
skating, he must not stop for it, but go right on ; 
but when he gets to the box he shall not take out 
another orange, but skate to the one he dropped 
and pick it up. The time should be limited to 
ten laps, and each participant should be allowed to 
keep the oranges he gets from the box in the race. 
The excitement may be increased by giving a 
special prize to the winner. Where oranges can 
not be procured, apples will do as well. Appoint 
judges to decide all points, and thus relieve your- 
self of possible blame because of any apparently 
unjust decisions. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



FOX DRIVE. 



If a fox can be procured, this attraction can be 
made extremely exciting. Before the evening for 
the drive the fox should be turned loose in the 
rink, and run about by a half dozen boys, so that 
the fox may become accustomed to the place. If 
this is not done, it is possible he would become 
stupefied with fear on the night of the Drive, and 
refuse to run at all, and thus render the Drive a 
failure, and a matter of regret to the Manager. 
Woven wire should be stretched about the rink so 
that the fox can not get to the audience. When 
all ready, turn two young men into the enclosure, 
and then turn the fox loose. If they fail to catch 
the fox in two minutes, let two other contestants 
try It for same time, and if they fail, still two oth- 
other; and if they fail, then let all six try it, and 
if they are unable to catch the fox, the Manager 
will have provided a great deal of amusement with- 
out the expense of paying for the stipulated prize. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. IT 



COUPLE RACE. 

This race should be engaged in by three couples 
skating hand in hand, and not to exceed ten laps. 
Each couple should have a distinct starting point, 
and thus avoid a bungling start. 

Racing in which ladies indulge does not gen- 
erally meet with popular favor, and it is well to 
have as little of it as possible. It was this feature 
of the rinks that called forth such vigorous attacks 
from the ministry last season. Every Manager 
will have to be the judge of his own community 
in this respect. 



RING TOURNAMENT. 

There should be four contestants in the tourna- 
ment. The rings should be arranged in sets of 
four each abreast, and suspended from the ceiling 
to a point about a foot beyond the height of the 
contestants. The sets of rings should be hung 
about twenty feet apart, and the number of sets 



12 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

Avill depend upon the size of the rink. The con- 
testants are to start from a given point, each pro- 
vided with a stick six feet long and one inch in 
diameter, and this is to be carried" under the right 
arm, and guided only by the right hand. The 
rings should be of wire, and about two inches and 
a half in diameter. The point of the Tournament 
is to see who can thread the greatest number of 
rings on the sticks in a given number of laps. The 
rings should be suspended from the ceiling so that 
they can be easily slipped on the sticks, and yet 
sufficiently stable in their positions so that a mere 
touch of them would not set them to swinging. 
The better way will be to have them resting on a 
shght curve at the lower end of a stiff wire attach- 
ed to the ceiling. 



HAT NIGHT. 

The night for this attraction should be thoroughly 
advertised as "The Hat Night," and all gentle- 
men invited to participate. There should be four 
prizes given. The first to the person wearing the 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 1 3 

largest hat, the second prize to the gentleman 
wearing the next largest, and so on. In the dis- 
tribution of prizes they should be given to the per- 
sons actually wearing the largest hats. There will 
be apt to be a disposition on the part of boys to 
wear ^'something" of immense proportions without 
regard to its resemblance to a hat. 

Where there is a general participation this 
attraction can be made very interesting. 



TEETER-TOTTER CONTEST. 

There should be four contestants in this race. 
The Teeter-Totter is made of a piece of two-inch 
plank, four feet long and fourteen inches wide, 
nailed securely to the edge of a piece of plank four- 
teen inches long and a foot high. The four foot 
plank should be nailed to the piece of upright 
plank just beyond the central point, so that one 
end of the four foot plank will rest on the floor, 
and the other end be elevated accordingly. Th^re 
should be one Teeter-Totter for each contestant, 
and all placed abreast, yet not so near each other 



14 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

that one contestant would interfere with the other 
when they are attempting to go over them. The 
number of Teeter-Totters to be used will depend 
upon the size of the rink. 

The Teeter-Totters are to be placed with the 
part elevated facing the contestants. At a given 
signal they all start, and each one is obliged to 
skate to the Teeter-Totter, and to skate over it, and 
not step over. The Teeter-Totters should be placed 
in rows at a sufficient distance apart, and the race 
should be limited to eight laps. 



BICYCLE AND SKATE RACE. 

When this race is contested by skillful partici- 
pants it is beautiful and exciting. Ordinarily a 
good rider will make a mile and a fifth, to a mile by 
a swift skater. The race shoiild be contested with 
this proportionate rate of speed in view, so that 
there will be no favoritism. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 15 



THE NECKTIE CARNIVAL. 

This Carnival is for gentlemen only, and is con- 
ducted just the same as the Hat Night Carnival. 
In instructing judges, have them observe that the 
Necktie must be self supporting, and look like a tie. 



MEAL RACE. 

In this race the contestants are required to carry 
a twenty-five pound sack of meal in such way that 
it does not touch the body. If the sack should be 
dropped or knocked from the hands of the con- 
testant he is required to stop and pick it up before 
proceeding any further. This race will develop 
endurance and strength rather than fleetness, and 
should be limited to a mile. Sacks should be 
made of cloth, for if they are made of paper they 
are liable to burst if dropped. 



1 6 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



PIG CATCH. 



Select for this attraction a pig weighing about 
one hundred pounds, but not so fat as to render 
him clumsy. Chase him around the rink five or 
six times of evenings after the rink closes, so that 
he may become accustomed to the floor and the 
lights. On the night for the Catch have the pig 
clipped and greased, and then turn him in the 
rink. Only two young men should be allowed to 
attempt to catch him at a chase. It should be 
stipulated in the "Catch" that when one contest- 
ant has hold of the pig that the other must stand 
aside until he either gets the pig in the basket 
which should be provided for him, at the judges' 
feet, or gets away. A chase should be timed to 
two minutes. If the young men fail in this time 
to catch the pig, then two others try, and if they 
fail, two others; and if the six fail, then .let all try. 
The pig is to be caught and carried to the basket, 
and laid in, and not thrown in. 

This attraction is very amusing, and will no 
doubt call for repetitions. Be sure and get a wild 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. I 7 

pig, and accustom him to the surroundings before 
the Catch. This attraction was presented at the 
Main Street Rink, this city, last winter, and it 
drew over a two hundred dollar house. 



COLLAR CARNIVAL. 

This Carnival is conducted just as the other 
Carnivals mentioned in the preceding pages. The 
prizes should be awarded to those having the larg- 
est and best proportioned collars, which may be 
of any style, either standing or lay down. About 
twenty-five tickets for voting purposes should be 
distributed among persons who would be well 
qualified to judge as to who deserved the prizes. 



HISTORICAL CARNIVAL. 

This is an attraction that will draw a class of 
patrons that nothing else would, because it will be 
of necessity instructive. There should be a repre- 
sentative of each distinctive type of historical per- 



1 8 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

sonages, and prior to the evening for this attraction 
it would be well for the Manager to ascertain just 
what personages are to be represented, so that he 
may be able to diversify them by not having two 
representations of one character. There should be 
representations of Kings and Queens of different 
countries, each in proper dress; of English and 
American authors ; of famous actors and actresses ; 
of men who have achieved renown in military 
capacity; of eminent journalists; of philosophers; 
of celebrated musicians; of statesmen; of lecturers, 
and any other historical celebrity. The person 
representing any character should acquaint him or 
herself with the history of such character, so that 
the representation may be as natural as possible. 

It will take considerable time, study and prep- 
aration for this carnival, but it will draw an appre- 
ciative audience. There should be a liberal distri- 
bution of prizes, and judges selected who would 
be fully competent to decide upon the respective 
merits of the contestants. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. I9 



FLOWER CARNIVAL. 

This attraction can be made perfectly beautiful. 
None but natural flowers are to be used. There 
should be prizes for the largest bouquet and also 
for the smallest. Symmetry of proportions, variety 
and color of flowers to be considered. Ladies and 
gentlemen should both contest for prizes on bou- 
quets. There should be awards for the most beau- 
tiful floral trimmings on dresses, and for floral 
decorations in the hair of the ladies, and the best 
representation of a flower girl. This is a beautiful 
attraction for children. Managers may sell enough 
button-hole bouquets to defray the expense of 
prizes. 



KAZOO RACE. 

Suspend four Kazoos from the ceiling by attach- 
ing them to strings, placing them abreast and two 
feet apart ; then in same manner four small tin horns 
as far from the Kazoos as the size of the rink will 
admit, having two sets of Kazoos and two sets of 



20 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

horns. 'At a given signal the contestants start from 
a certain point. The provisions of the race are, 
that each contestant shall be obliged to blow each 
Kazoo and horn in making the rounds without the 
aid of the hands; the number of rounds to be made 
can be decided by the Manager. Judges should 
be stationed at the Kazoos and horns to see that 
none pass without first blowing them. The con- 
tortions of the face that the various contestants will 
make in their attempts to secure the Kazoos and 
horns so that they may blow them, will be quite 
laughable. 



OLD FOLKS CARNIVAL. 

This, like the Historical Carnival, is for both la- 
dies and gentlemen. Prizes are to be given to the 
best representation of an old man, an old woman, 
and an old couple, of whatever nationality. The 
manager should arrange so that there may be as 
general a representation of characters as possible. 
There should be American, Irish, German, French 
and Negro representatives. Make liberal prizes, 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 21 

and have the attraction well in hand before its pre- 
sentation. 



BACKWARD RACE. 

This race should not be contested for more than 
a half mile, and the contestants should be obliged 
to keep within bounds of circle described about the 
Rink. The contestants are to start from a given 
place and from a standing position at the word 
^^go." Judges should be stationed at each cor- 
ner, to see that each keeps within the circle. It is 
difficult to skate backward and keep within the 
track. 



NATIONAL CARNIVAL. 

This attraction can be made very interesting 
and instructive. Have representations of all the 
leading nations, with the characteristics of each 
nation fully delineated. Arrange beforehand to 
secure as diverse representation as possible. 



2 2 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



CALICO CARNIVAL. 

Both ladies and gendemen may pardcipate. 
Ladies should be in full calico dress, and gende- 
men wear at least calico neckties. There should 
be a suitable number of prizes awarded, so as to 
make the attraction generally participated in. 



REVERSE RACE. 

This race is to be made with the skaters going 
in the opposite direction usually followed by all 
skaters. It will be difficult to turn the corners 
rapidly, and will develop considerable awkward- 
ness that will prove amusing. 



GARDEN PARTY. 

In this attraction all ladies are dressed in white, 
and wear light hats; gentlemen wear white vests 
and white ties. No lady or gendeman should be 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 23 

permitted to appear on the floor unless attired as 
above, until after a certain hour. Prizes should be 
offered for the prettiest dress, and handsome hat, 
and for the gentleman making the best appearance 
on the floor. 

A few tables should be placed in the center of 
the rink, upon which should be placed plants. 
Place chairs about the tables so that the skaters 
may rest themselves. This feature will make the 
attraction more realistic. 



BELL RACE. 

Suspend several single bells from the ceiling 
until they come within six feet of the floor. Station 
a judge at each bell. The contestants start from 
a given point at a given signal. Each contestant 
is obliged to ring each bell, and is not allowed to 
pass from one bell until he shall have first rung it. 
After ringing a bell the contestant should give it 
a toss in the air, as this will make it more difficult 
for those following to secure it. At one end of 
the rink should be placed a barrel within a circle 



24 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

drawn about it, and which should be two feet more 
in diameter than the barrel. In the bottom of the 
barrel put a cow bell. Each contestant should be 
obliged also to stop at the barrel and ring the cow 
bell. If he should move the barrel outside of the 
circle about it, he must place the barrel in its 
original position before going to the next bell. 



SKATER AGAINST WALKER. 

This race usually develops a great deal of excite- 
ment and interest. The proportionate rate of 
speed should be one mile for the skater, and three- 
quarters of a mile for the pedestrian. 



FAT MEN'S RACE. 

The fattest, largest, and clumsiest men should 
be selected for this race. If you should be unable 
to select such men from your patrons, let those 
who engage in the race pad. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 25 



MAY PARTY. 

This attraction should be given in the Spring. 
Ladies should be dressed in white, and wear straw 
hats; gentlemen should also wear straw hats and 
light colored suits. Prizes should be given for 
the lady wearing the handsomest straw hat, and 
also for the handsomest dress. 



BAND MARCH. 

With four or five evenings' practice members of 
a band who can skate, will be able to play their 
instruments and skate at the same time. There is 
one band in the United States that makes a busi- 
ness of going over the country and giving ''The 
Band March," charging one hundred dollars a 
night for their services. As before stated, with a 
little practice, any band can do as well. 

The Main Street Rink band of sixteen pieces, 
of Richmond, Ind. , with four nights' practice, were 
able to conduct the Grand March without any 



26 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

errors. The regular leader of the Grand March 
should lead the band. This attraction drew an 
immense house. 



BARBER POLE. 

Eight couples should participate. Ladies and 
gentlemen should be dressed as described in May 
Pole. The pole should be secured to the floor as 
the May Pole, and the same colored ribbon used 
and in the same arrangements. Have the Barber 
Pole just prior to the Grand March, which should 
be led by the couples that took part in the Barber 
Pole. 



APPLE RACE. 

Place several rows of apples parallel to each 
other, having the rows sufficiently wide apart so 
that the contestants will not interfere with each 
other, and place the apples about two feet apart, 
making the rows as long as the rink will admit. 
At the head of each row place a basket large 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 27 

enough to hold all the apples in the row. The 
contestants at a signal are to pick up the apple 
nearest the basket and put it in the basket, then 
skate to the next apple and put it in the basket, 
and so on. The contestant gathering all the 
apples up first in his row, getting one at a time and 
putting them in the basket, wins the race. 



APRON CARNIVAL. 

This attraction is for ladies only. White aprons 
with neat borders, and ladies wearing white caps, 
make a pretty sight. Induce ladies to decorate 
with real flowers as much as possible. Offer prizes 
for the prettiest apron. No lady should be per- 
mitted without wearing an apron. 



WHEELBARROW ON SKATES. 

This race should be between not more than two, 
and they should start from opposite parts of the 
hall. 



28 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



FOOT BALL. 

For this attraction choose sides just as when 
foot ball is played on foot. The game is to be 
played according to rules applying to foot ball. 
It will be well to remove any glass globes that 
may be on chandeliers before commencing the 
game, as there will be danger of breaking them. 



POTATO RACE. 

This race is contested in the same manner as the 
apple race, excepting that instead of picking up 
the potato with the hand it is to be picked up on 
the point of a sharp stick which each contestant 
should be furnished with. The stick should be 
about three feet long and the potato is to be car- 
ried on the point of the stick to the basket. In 
case the potato should drop off on the way to the 
basket, the contestant must stop and pick it up 
again with the stick as before, and carry it to the 
basket before proceeding to get the next potato. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 29 

Any one contestant will be allowed to knock the 
potato off of the stick of another by means of his 
own, and thus retard the opponent. 



PRIZE NIGHT. 

This attraction has the effect of charming every 
patron, at least before the drawing. For admission 
this night sell coupon tickets, the number on the 
ticket and coupon corresponding, detatching the 
coupon at the door. At about nine o'clock the 
drawing should take place, and in the following 
manner : Place all tickets in a hat and shake 
them up thoroughly. Blindfold a boy and let 
him take from the hat one ticket at a time and 
the number on the ticket be read aloud. Arrange 
so that the twentieth ticket be the winning one. if 
only one prize is given, and if there are to be two 
prizes, select the successful numbers, as twenty and 
thirty. A seal skin cap is a nice prize for a gen- 
tleman, and a toilet set for a lady. 



30 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



BLIND RACE. 

This race is interesting though of neccesity it 
must be slow. See that contestants are hood- 
winked and all start from one starting place. 
Judges should be stationed about the track to warn 
the contestants in case of any danger and to see 
that they keep within the circle. The number of 
laps will depend upon the size of the rink. 



MOTHER HUBBARD PARTY. 

This party is for either ladies or gentlemen, or 
for ladies alone. The Manager can arrange for 
this as he sees fit. A prize should be given to the 
lady wearing the finest and prettiest Mother Hub- 
bard. 



BOYS' RACE. 

This attraction is a drawing one for children as 
well as adults. There should be a series of three 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 3 1 

races, and have them occur every Saturday after- 
noon. Permit as many boys to enter the race as 
the size of the track will accomodate. Get a dif- 
ferent lot of boys for each race, and at the close of 
the series let the last race be composed only of 
boys who have been winners in the preceding race. 
Use admission tickets to the Rink as prizes. 



ST. VALENTINE^S DAY. 

As this day in 1886 comes on Sunday, Saturday 
should be selected in place of it. Devote the 
afternoon to children, presenting each child with 
a valentine at the door. Fringed valentines that 
would be suitable for them can be bought at three 
dollars per hundred. In the evening require 
every body to wear a valentine that goes on the 
floor. In the evening sell the valentines at ten 
cents each. In this way a neat sum can be made 
ofl" of them. Give prizes for persons wearing the 
most beautiful valentine and also a prize to the 
person wearing the most complete valentine cos- 
tume. 



32 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



CANDLE RACE. 

Supply each contestant with a lighted candle in 
a candle-stick so that no grease will get on the 
floor, and also matches. The contestants are to 
start from a given point, and shall be obliged to 
carry the candle in an upright position and away 
from the body. If in the course of the race the 
light should become extinguished, the contestant 
must stop and light it before proceeding any lur- 
ther. The length of the race can be determined 
by the Manager. 



CARNIVALS. 

Masked Carnivals, Fancy Dress Carnivals, and 
Childrens' Masked Carnivals, for Saturday after- 
noon are not new as every Rink Manager knows, 
and we only call attention to them to suggest that 
it may be profitable to give such an attraction occa- 
sionally. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 33 



CHINESE LANTERNS IN A GRAND 
MARCH. 

Provide each person that takes part in the March 
with a Chinese lantern. When all ready light all 
lanterns, and when this is done, turn down the 
lights just as low as possible. Care should be ta- 
ken that one person does not run into another, as 
by such an accident the lanterns might be set on 
fire. The music during the March, and the lan- 
terns in the darkness, make a very pleasing effect. 



SLOW RACE. 

This race is conducted like all other races. The 
contestants all start from the same place, and 
throughout the race are to keep moving forward all 
the time, the man coming in last to be declared 
the winner. Usually two laps will be enough for 
this race. 



34 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



SPECTACLE CARNIVAL. 

Every person on the floor should be obhged to 
wear glasses. We suggest that goggles, of various 
colored glass, be worn, nose glasses, dude glass 
for one eye, and anything in the shape of specta- 
cles. A prize should be given to the person wear- 
ing the largest pair of glasses. 



PENNY PICKING. 

Secure at least twenty boys for this attraction. 
At the proper time clear the floor of all persons 
excepting the boys who are to take part in the 
^^ Picking." Collect all the boys in the center of 
the rink, and at a given signal throw a handful of 
pennies broad-cast on the floor, and when these 
are all gathered, throw another handful, and so on 
until four or five dollars have been thrown. For 
prizes let the boys keep all the pennies they can 
secure in the general scramble for them. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 35 



COUPLE CARNIVAL. 

This night should be set apart exclusively for 
couples, and no lady without an escort or any 
gentleman without a lady should be permitted on 
the floor until after the Grand March. A prize 
should be given to the best and most graceful 
couple. 



FAT MAN'S NIGHT. 

This night should be well advertised as the Fat 
Man's Night. Induce all the fat men you know 
to come on the floor, and then as many persons as 
you can secure to pad. Give a prize to the really 
fattest man, and also one to the one best padded. 



FAN CARNIVAL. 

In this carnival every person on the floor shall 
be obliged to carry a fan. Give prizes for the 
largest, smallest, and handsomest fan. 



36 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



CRACKER RACE. 

Arrange contestants at starting point, giving 
each a cracker. At a given signal each contestant 
is to eat the cracker entirely; when this is done 
he is to skate once about the rink to the place of 
starting, when he is to eat another cracker entirely 
before starting, as before, and so on until five 
crackers have been eaten. The person eating five 
crackers shall be the winner. 



CHILDREN'S WHITE DRESS CAR- 
NIVAL. 

This carnival should be given on Saturday after- 
noon, so as not to interfere with their school 
duties. The rink should be darkened and lighted, 
as the effect will be much more beautiful. This 
carnival will be mostly for little girls, but there 
should be no objection to boys entering, and when 
they do, they should wear white waists. None but 
children should be allowed on the floor. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 37 



THE OBSTACLE RACE. 

Suspend two solid, smooth barrels from the 
ceiling, by strong ropes, about fifty feet from the 
starting point, and hang the barrels at an angle of 
about forty-five degrees, so that the lower end of 
the barrel is about four feet from the floor. Im- 
mediately beyond the barrels place as many saw- 
bucks and saws as there are contestants, and as 
many sticks of wood, of equal size, in front of the 
sawbucks on the floor ; a little further on a greased 
teeter-totter about three feet w^ide ; then one large 
barrel a little further on, suspended as the two 
already described. Then a little further on sus- 
pend three ladders from the ceiling with heavy 
ropes, then a little further as many step-ladders as 
there are contestants, and on the top of the ladder 
place a piece of hot wienerwurst thoroughly satu- 
rated with horseradish, the stronger the better. 

The contestants start from a given point, where 
are placed as many chairs as there are contestants, 
with an apple on each chair. Skate around the 
rink to the chairs. Each contestant is to take the 



38 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

apple from the chair, sit down on the chair and 
eat the apple entirely before rising from the chair. 
When the apple is eaten, skate to the two sus- 
pended barrels, and go through either one of them 
from the lower end, then skate to one of the saw- 
bucks, pick up the stick of wood, place it on the 
buck and saw the same in two. Unknown to the 
contestants, the blades should be taken from the 
saws and reversed. Then skate over the teeter- 
totter, which should be greased, to the large barrel, 
and go through or over it; then skate to suspended 
ladders, and crawl through between the rounds; 
then skate to step-ladders, and go to top and sit 
on the top step, and eat the wienerwurst com- 
pletely before coming down; then come down, 
and skate once around the rink to the place of 
beginning. The one getting there first wins the 
prize. It would be well to offer two prizes. 

The step-ladders, sawbucks, teeter, and chairs 
should be placed just inside of the race circle, 
and men should hold the barrels and ladders back 
so as not to interfere with the contestants in mak- 
ing the first, and last lap around the rink. Judges 
should be placed at each obstacle to see that each 
contestant performs all duties required of him. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 39 



RED, WHITE, AND BLUE RIBBON. 

All persons on the floor shall be required to wear 
ribbon in some shape, of either red, white, or blue 
color, or all. The ladies should decorate them- 
selves with ribbon as their tastes incline, and the 
gentlemen should wear ribbon bows as button hole 
bouquets. Prizes should be given to the lady 
having the most artistic ribbon decoration, also 
the gentleman wearing the handsomest bow, and 
then to the person wearing the longest single 
ribbon. 



CHICKEN HUNT. 

Blindfold several boys, and then turn a chicken 
with clipped wrings in the rink, first arranging so 
that the chicken can not get to the audience. The 
boy catching the chicken to win the prize. 



40 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



BASE BALL. 

Describe a diamond on the floor with chalk, 
making it as large as the rink will admit. Select 
two nines, and umpire and play according to the 
regular rules of the game as nearly as possible. 
A hollow rubber ball about the size of a base ball, 
and light pine bats should be used. In case the 
ball should be knocked among the audience, the 
umpire should call time until the ball is on the 
floor again. In advertising this attraction, assure 
patrons that there will be no danger. 

Below we reprint an account of a game between 
the Rochesters and Binghamptons, New York : 

BASE BALL ON ROLLER SKATES. 



THE PEOPLE OF BINGHAMPTON WITNESS A GAME REPLETE 
WITH LUDICROUS INCIDENTS. 



[Sj>eczal Correspondence of Rink and Roller P\ 
BiNGHAMPTON, August 5. — The Pioneer Rink was 
filled to overflowing last night by one of the most fash- 
ionable assemblages ever held within its walls. The 
cause of the gathering was a contest at the national game 
between the members of the Rochester and Binghampton 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 4I 

nines, in the State League. A regular diamond, with 
base, captain, players, and foul lines was laid out on the 
floor, and every requirement of the diamond field was had. 

The two teams have played many exciting games on 
the field this season, but they have not previously played 
a game which afforded so much merriment to the lookers 
on, or fun for themselves. From start to finish the con- 
test was exciting, and replete with ludicrous happenings. 
Few^ of the players had ever before enjoyed a trip on the 
little wheels, and they afforded many opportunities for 
general laughter, by their awkwark endeavors to play 
ball and skate at the same time. As ball players they 
rank high, but as skaters they were failures ; and it really 
was their lack of knowledge regarding the rollers that 
afforded so much sport. 

On ordinary occasions the spectators at base ball games 
in this city are well behaved, and treat that much abused 
ofiicial, the umpire, with great consideration, but last 
night the crowd forgot itself. It actually broke out into 
one loud guffaw as Umpire Callaghan tried to skate and 
decide a play at second base. Under ordinary circum- 
stances Mr. Callaghan would have made a correct decis- 
ion. He would have gazed at the base runner, and 
yelled, " Yer out, yer out." 

He did not do so last night. 

Oh, no! 

He looked toward second base and started toward it to 
obtain a better view of the play, and then failed to see it. 



42 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

Soon after starting toward second base Mr. Callaghan 
became painfully aware that his feet were for the nonce 
beyond his control. His north leg started eastward, and 
his south leg made a dash toward San Francisco. His 
eyes involuntarily sought the maple floor. Then Mr. 
Callaghan saw more stars than are in the constellation, 
and he forgot second base, the base runner, and even the 
axioms of base ball. He blurted out, "Great scot." The 
crowd laughed again. When Mr. Callaghan arose and 
dusted off the bosom of his trousers the crowd roared 
heartily. 

Thus were five innings played through. More would 
have been played, but though it may seem paradoxical, 
the game would have to be called on account of daylight. 
Finally the Binghampton team won by a score of 3 runs 
to o, and the crowd cheered enthusiastically for "the 
boys" and the umpire. 



TtlE GOLD HUNT. 

After securely blindfolding as many as shall 
participate in the hunt, suspend a five dollar gold 
piece from the ceiling by means of a string ; then 
announce to the participants that the one who finds 
the money first shall keep it. Before they start on 
the hunt the audience should be cautioned to make 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 43, 

no remark, or in any way do anything that would 
tend to reveal the locality of the coin. 



CHRISTMAS TREE ON CHRISTMAS 
NIGHT. 

Place in the center of the rink as large an ever- 
green tree as is possible to get in the rink. Deco- 
rate it profusely with presents, selecting such as are 
generally inexpensive, and calculated to produce 
laughter. There should also be some presents of 
real value. Advertise that every patron will re- 
ceive a present, and prepare accordingly. Attach 
to every article on the tree a number, and present 
for every admission ticket purchased a number 
corresponding with some number on the tree. 

The tree should be arranged and decorated the 
day before, and covered with canvass until the 
time for gathering the presents, which should com- 
mence about half past nine, or ten o'clock, when 
all skating should be stopped. Any one who has 
participated in the festivities of a Christmas Tree 
will be assured of the success of this attraction. 



44 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



CHILDREN'S CANDY MATINEE. 

Select Saturday afternoon for this attraction. 
Present each child, at the door, with a package of 
candy. By purchasing candy at wholesale price a 
great many packages can be made at little expense. 

These little attractions for children are always 
drawing, and result in large profit. 



FLOWER CONTEST. 

Blindfold the contestants, and then turn them 
around five or six times. When this has been 
done, suspend a basket of flowers from the ceiling 
to within about five feet of the floor, in any part of 
the rink that may seem proper. Caution every- 
body to keep still, and give no hints to the con- 
testants as to the location of the basket. The con- 
testant finding the basket shall be declared the 
winner, and receive the same as a prize. In case 
flowers can not be procured, a basket of fruit will 
do as well. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 45 



RINK BALL. 



The rules of this roller skating game, which was 
successfully played eight years ago at the Clermont 
Avenue Rink, Brooklyn, N. Y., are such as to 
present the means of a very lively and exciting 
game, fully as much so as polo, without the chances 
for painful and frequently severe injuries that polo 
presents. What with the rather heavy ash sticks 
used in polo, and the wild efforts made to strike 
the ball in the midst of a rush of players to reach 
it, pretty hard knocks are interchanged. Then, 
too, the ball weighing seven ounces, is a dangerous 
one to be sent flying by a hard blow from the polo 
stick, as it frequently is. Rink ball is simply a 
modification of football, with the difference that 
the ball, instead of being kicked from goal to goal, 
is ^ ^dribbled" along the floor with the hands. It is 
a capital practice game for ballplayers, as it teaches 
them to bend for ground balls. As it was played 
in the old Brooklyn rink in 1876, these are the 

RULES OF THE GAME. 

I. Eleven players shall constitute a match 



46 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

I 

team, but the game may be played by as few as 
six on a side. When eleven on a side are played, 
they are placed as follows : Two to guard the goal, 
three in front of these as '^ backs," and the others 
further in front as rushers. 

2. One umpire, selected by the two captains, 
shall decide all disputed points, and his decision 
shall be final. 

3. The ball shall be a hollow rubber ball not 
to exceed four and a half ounces in weight, and to 
be not less than four and a half inches in diameter 
and fifteen inches in circumference. 

4. The ball must not be kicked by any contest- 
ant, nor picked up from the floor, it only being in 
play when it is rolled or ^'dribbled'' along the floor 
of the rink when bemg pushed or struck with the 
player's hand. 

5. Any player kicking the ball during the pro- 
gress of a game, or striking it with his hands so 
that it is lifted above the head of any other player, 
shall be at once declared out of play by the umpire, 
and he shall not take further part in the game until 
a touchdown be scored by either side. 

6. The goal-line shall be a flne marked on the 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 47 

floor within ten feet from the boundary Hnes of the 
field, at each end thereof; and it shall be in length 
one-half the width of the rink-field, or of the width 
from one side boundary line to the other. 

7. Outside the boundary lines is ''out of touch," 
and when the ball goes outside either of the bound- 
ary lines it is dead until placed in play again by the 
umpire. 

8. A "touchdown" shall be scored to the 
credit of the side whose player makes it, whenever 
the ball is fairly rolled, dribbled, or lifted across 
the goal-line of the opposing side, provided the 
ball is not lifted over the line higher than the heads 
of the fielders. 

9. When the ball has been kicked — accidentally 
or otherwise — a ''foul" shall be declared by the 
umpire, and the ball must be returned to the place 
from which it was thus unfairly removed. When 
the ball, too,' is picked up by a fielder, or struck so 
that it be sent higher than the heads of the fielders, 
it shall be similarly declared foul, and returned to 
the place from which it was picked up or thrown. 

10. Three touchdowns shall constitute a game, 
and the best two out of three games, or best three 
in ^N^^ constitute a match. 



48 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

11. Should no touchdowns be scored within 
thirty minutes of the call of ''play" by the umpire, 
the side first scoring a touchdown thereafter shall 
be credited with the game. 

12. At the beginning of the game the umpire 
shall take the ball and place it in the center of the 
rink field, and when the captains of each side have 
placed their men in position, he shall call ''play/.^ 
and until such call is made the game can not begin. 

13. When ''time" is called by the umpire, 
play shall cease at once, and the ball shall be con- 
sidered dead thereafter, until the umpire again 
calls "play." 

14. Any match not decided in accordance with 
Rule 10, shall be regarded as drawn. 

15. At no time during the progress of a match 
shall either the goal player or the backs be allowed 
to cross the center line of the rink-field in pursuit 
of the ball, except when called upon to take the 
place of a forward player. 



DIAGRAM FOR TENNIS FIELD. 
W D 



AA^ 



=BB 





27 



50 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



LAWN TENNIS ON ROLLER SKATES. 

This fashionable game can be played in a rink 
with as much interest as on a lawn. The follow- 
ing description of the court and rules of the game 
will give full instructions. 

LAWS OF LAWN TENNIS. 

The Court. 
I. The Court is 78 feet long and 27 feet 
wide. It is divided across the middle by a net, 
the ends of which are attached to two posts, AA 

78 

AA 



18 



21 



H 



K 
39 





G 





21 


18 








I 


T 


D 



w 



BB 



39 



and BB, standing three feet outside of the court 
on either side. The height of the net is three feet 
outside of the court on either side. The height of 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 5 I 

the net is three feet six inches at the posts, and 
three feet in the middle. At each end of the 
court, parallel with the net, and 39 feet from it, 
are drawn the base lines C D and E H, the ends 
of which are connected by the side lines D H and 
C E. Half way down the side lines, and parallel 
with them is drawn the half-court line O W, divid- 
ing the space on each side of the net into two equal 
parts, the right and left courts. On each side of 
the net, at a distance of 2 1 feet from it, and paral- 
lel with it, are drawn the service lines G F and 
P K. 

TJu Balls, 

2. The Balls shall measure not less than 2j^ 
inches, nor more than 2\ inches in diameter; and 
shall weigh not less than i}^ oz., nor more than 
2 oz. 

The Game. 

3. The choice of sides, and the right to serve 
in the first game shall be decided by toss; provided 
that, if the winner of the toss choose the right to 
serve, the other player shall have choice of sides, 
and vice versa. If one player choose the court, 
the other may elect not to serve. 



52 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

4. The players shall stand on opposite sides of 
the net; the player who first delivers the ball shall 
be called the server, and the other the striker-out. 

5. At the end of the first game the striker-out 
shall become server, and the server shall become 
striker-out; and so on alternately in all the subse- 
quent games of the set, or series of sets. 

6. The Server shall serve with one foot on the 
base line, and with the other foot behind that line, 
but not necessarily upon the floor. He shall deliver 
the service from the right and left courts, alter- 
nately; beginning from the right. 

7. The ball served must drop between the ser- 
vice line, half court line, and side line of the court, 
diagonally opposite to that from which it was 
served. 

8. It is a Fault if the server fail to strike the 
ball, or if the ball served drop in the net, or beyond 
the service line, or out of court, or in the wrong 
court; or if the server do not stand as directed in 
Law 6. 

9. A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling 
in the court bounded by that line. 

IQ. A fault can not be taken. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. S3 

11. After a fault the server shall serve again 
from the same court from which he served that 
fault, unless it was a fault because he served from 
the wrong court. 

12. A fault can not be claimed after the next 
service is delivered. 

13. The server shall not serve until the striker- 
out is ready. If the latter attempt to return the 
service he shall be deemed ready. 

14. A service or fault deHvered when the 
striker-out is not ready, counts for nothing. 

15. The service shall not be volleyed, /. e.^ 
taken, before it has touched the floor. 

16. A ball is in play after leaving the server's 
racket, except as provided for in Law 8. 

17. It is a good return, although the ball touch 
the net; but a service, otherwise good, which 
touches the net, shall count for nothing. 

18. The server wins a stroke if the striker-out 
volley the service, or if he fail to return the service 
or the ball in play; or if he return the service or 
the ball in play so that it drops outside of his oppo- 
nent's court; or if he otherwise loses a stroke as 
provided by Law 20. 



54 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

19. The striker-out wins a stroke if the server 
serve two consecutive faults ; or if he fail to return 
the ball in play; or if he return the ball in play so 
that it drops outside his opponent's court; or if he 
otherwise lose a stroke as provided by Law 20. 

20. Either player loses a stroke if he return the 
service or the ball in play so that it touches a post 
of the net; or if the ball touch him or anything 
that he wears or carries, except his racket in the 
act of striking; or if he touch the ball with his 
racket more than once; or any of its supports 
while the ball is in play; or if he volley the ball 
before it has passed the net ; or if the service or 
the ball in play touch a ball lying in his court. 

21. In case any player is obstructed by any 
accident, the ball shall be considered a let. 

22. On either player winning his first stroke, 
the score is called 15 for that player; on either 
player winning his second stroke, the score is 
called 30 for that player; on either player winning 
his third stroke, the game is called 40 for that 
player; and the fourth stroke won by either 
player, except as below : If both players have won 
three strokes, the play is called deuce; and the next 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 55 

Stroke won by either player is called advantage for 
that player. If the same player wins the next 
stroke, he wins the game; if he loses the next 
stroke, the score returns to deuce ; and so on until 
one player wins the two strokes immediately fol- 
lowing the score of deuce, when game is scored 
for that player. 

23. The player who first wins six games, wins 
the set; except as below: If both players win five 
games, the score is called games all ; and the next 
game won by either player is scored advantage games 
for that player. If the same player wins the next 
game, he wins the set; if he loses the next game, 
the score returns to games all; and so on, until 
either player wins the two games immediately fol- 
lowing the score of games all when he wins the set. 
Individual clubs at their own tournaments may 
modify this rule at their discretion. 

24. The players shall change sides at the end 
of every set; but the umpire, on appeal from 
either player, before the toss for choice, may direct 
the players to change sides, if, in his opinion, 
either side have a distinct advantage, owing to the 
sun, wind, or any other accidental cause; but if 



56 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 



the appeal be made after the toss for choice, the 
umpire may only direct the players to change sides 
at the end of every game of the odd or deciding 
set. 

25. When a series of sets are played, the 
player who served in the last game of one set shall 
be striker-out in the first game of the next. 

26. The Referee shall call the game after an 
interval of five minutes between sets, if either 
player so order. 

27. The above laws shall apply to the three- 
handed and four-handed games, except as modi- 
fied by rules on following pages. 



THE THREE-HANDED AND FOUR-HANDED GAMES. 
AA 




RINK ATTRACTIONS. 57 

28. For the three-handed and four-handed 
games the court shall be 36 feet in width, 4^ feet 
inside the side lines, and parallel with them are 
drawn the service lines K M and L N. The ser- 
vice lines are not drawn beyond the point at 
which they meet the service side lines, as shown 
in the diagram. 

29. In the three-handed game, the single player 
shall serve in every alternate game. 

30. In the four-handed game, the pair w^ho 
have the right to serve in the first game shall decide 
which partner shall do so; and the opposing pair 
shall decide in like manner for the second game. 
The partner of the player who served in the first 
game shall serve in the third, and the partner of 
the player who served in the second game shall 
serve in the fourth, aad the same order shall be 
maintained in all subsequent games of the set. 

31. At the beginning of the next set, either 
partner of the pair which struck out in the last 
game of the last set may serve, the same privilege 
being given to their opponents in the second game 
of the new set. 

32. The players shall take the service altern- 



58 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

ately throughout the game; a player can not re- 
ceive a service dehvered to his partner; and the 
order of service and striking out once estabHshed 
shall not be altered, nor shall the striker-out change 
courts to receive the service, till the end of the set. 

33. It is a fault if the ball served does not drop 
between the service line, half-court line, and ser- 
vice side-line of the court, diagonally opposite to 
that from which it was served. 

34. In matches the decision of the umpire shall 
be final. Should there be two umpires, they shall 
divide the court between them, and the decision 
of each shall be final in his share of the court. 

ODDS. 

35. A Bisque is one point which can be taken 
by the receiver of the odds at any time in the set, 
except as follows: 

(a) A bisque can not be taken after a service is 
delivered. 

{b) The server may not take a bisque after a 
fault, but the striker-out may do so. 

36. One or more bisques may be given to in- 
crease or diminish other odds. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 59 

37. Half fifteen is one stroke given at the be- 
ginning of the second, fourth, and every subse- 
quent alternate game of a set. 

1,8. Fifteen is one stroke given at the beginning 
of every game of a set. 

39. Half thirty is one stroke given at the be- 
ginning of the first game, two strokes given at the 
beginning of the second game, and so on alter- 
nately in all subsequent games of the set. 

40. Thirty is two strokes given at the beginning 
of every game of a set. 

41. Half forty is two strokes given at the begin- 
ning of the first game, three strokes given at the 
beginning of the second game, and so on alter- 
nately, in all subsequent games of the set. 

42. Forty is three strokes given at the begin- 
ning of every game of a set. 

43. Half court: The players may agree into 
which half court, right or left, the giver of odds 
shall play; and the latter loses a stroke if the ball 
returned by him drop outside any of the lines 
which bound that half court. 

RULES FOR UMPIRES. 

I. There should be two umpires for each game, 



^O RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

unless there is a raised stand by the net. 

2. If there are two umpires, they should be 
placed in the following manner: The umpire on 
the service side should stand opposite the end of 
the base line, so as to be able to see if the server 
stands as required. It is his duty to watch the 
base line and one side line throughout its entire 
length. The other umpire should stand opposite 
the service line on the other side until the service 
is returned, and should then fall back to the end 
of the base Hne diagonally opposite to the other 
umpire. He is to watch his base line, and the 
whole side line on his side. In the absence of a 
scorer the two umpires shall arrange which shall 
call the score. 

3. It is the duty of the umpire to call faults, 
strokes, games and sets, when scored, or when 
requested to do so; not to call play, nor to give 
advice of any kind. 

4. If, in his opinion, one side has a distinct 
-advantage, and he is appealed to to direct the 
players to change sides at the end of every game, 
he has no option whatever, but must direct them 
to do so, and remind them at the end of each 
game. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 6l 

5. In the four-handed games there should be a 
third umpire at the net, whose only duty is to see 
that the rules regarding the net are observed. He 
usually, however, also acts as referee. 



POLO. 



Polo specially commends itself as an attraction 
for rinks and skaters. When governed by proper 
rules and regulations the game becomes very 
scientific, requiring skill in skating and good judg- 
ment. 

A general idea of the game can be obtained by 
reading the rules. The players are divided equally, 
each club having substitutes to be ready in case of 
accident. Each club has a goal to defend and 
attack. The starting point is usually the center of 
the field or rink;- the object of the game being to 
knock the ball with the polo sticks through the goal 
of the opposing club. The tactics pursued in foot- 
ball are most likely to ensure success in Polo; a 
gentle, nursing hit, keeping the ball well in hand, 
and when hard pressed by the opposing side, pass- 



62 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

ing it to another of one's own side, not endeavoring 
to rush the goal without a fair chance of securing 
it. The ball should at no time be raised from the 
skating surface. The field should be rectangular. 
The size of the rectangle will depend upon the 
size of the rink. 

Spalding's polo rules. 

[Published by permission of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Bro., of ■ 
Chicago and New York.] 

Rule i. Each team shall consist of seven play- 
ers, to be distinguished as follows: One goal tend; 
two half-backs; one cover point; tw^o rushers. 

Rule 2. The ball shall be the Spalding Regu- 
lation Polo Ball. The sticks shall not exceed four 
feet in length or one inch in diameter, and shall 
not exceed sixteen ounces in weight. 

Rule 3. The goals shall be composed of two 
upright posts, three feet high, and not more than 
two inches in diameter, set in blocks not over ten 
inches square and tw^o inches thick. They shall 
be placed in line 4^ feet apart, measuring from 
the posts, and not less than six feet from the end 
of the surface. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 63 

Rule 4. Only one person shall tend goal at a 
time. 

Rule 5. There shall be a referee, chosen by 
the captains, two judges for each side, and a time- 
keeper. A judge from each side shall stand behind 
each goal. No persons but the players, referee 
and judges shall be permitted on the surface during 
a match, unless assistance is to be rendered in case 
of an accident, or unless upon mutual invitation 
of the captains and referee. The referee shall start 
and call the game, and settle all disputed points. 
The judges at each goal shall determine when a 
goal is won, except in case of a disagreement be- 
tween them, and then the referee may determine 
the matter. 

Rule 6. The referee shall toss for the position 
of the teams in presence of the captains. 

Rule 7. To start the game, the ball shall be 
placed at the middle of a straight line drawn 
through the center of each goal, and at the whistle 
of the referee shall be charged upon by a player 
from each team. 

Rule 8. To constitute a match three out of five 
goals must be won by one of the competing teams. 



64 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

unless a different agreement be made by the cap- 
tains, in presence of the referee, previous to the 
beginning of the match. Unless a goal be won 
meantime the referee shall call game at the end of 
each half hour. If three out of five goals be the 
game played, if at the final call of game by the 
referee one team shall have won two goals to none 
for the other, the winners of the two goals shall be 
considered winners of the match. If there be a 
postponement by the referee, the match shall be 
renewed where it terminated; but the personnel oi 
each team must be the same. 

Rule 9. A goal is won by the passsage of the 
ball, from the front, between the goal posts below 
the top of the same. If by accident one or both of 
the goal posts should be knocked over, and it is 
apparent that the ball passed through the proper 
bounds, it shall be a goal. 

Rule 10. If the ball go out of bounds the ref- 
eree shall blow his whistle to call game, and place 
the ball at the point opposite where it went out, at 
least four feet from the rail. In recommencing play, 
the players who do so must stand in position to 
knock the ball lengthwise of the surface, with their 
backs toward the sides. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 65 

Rule i i . Game should be called by the referee 
whenever a foul occurs, or whenever one is claimed, 
unless the referee is satisfied, by his own observa- 
tion at the moment, that no just claim exists. Upon 
a claim of foul, if game is to be renewed, the ball 
must be placed where the foul occurred. 

Rule 12. It shall be deemed a foul: i — if any 
player stop or strike the ball when any part of his 
person is touching the surface; 2 — if any player 
catch or bat the ball with his hands or arms; 3 — 
if any player, save the goal tend, who may do so, 
kick the ball with his foot or skate, though he may 
stop the ball with either. 

Rule 13. Any act by any player that is mani- 
festly intended as an unwarrantable intererence by 
one player with another may be declared a foul by 
the referee, upon complaint by the captain of the 
offended side. 

Rule 14. Three fouls, other than when the 
ball leaves the bounds, made by either side during 
a contest for a goal, shall constitute a goal for the 
opposing side. 

Rule 15. If the referee decide that a foul by 
the goal tend prevented a goal from being made, 



66 RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

it shall be adjudged as a goal for the opposite side. 

Rule i6. If any club refuse to abide by the 
decision of the referee, which, in all cases, shall 
be final, the game shall be declared forfeited to 
the opposing club. 

Rule 17. In case of any injury to any player 
a substitute may be appointed. 



RINK RULES. 

The following rules were arranged for one of the 
largest rinks in the country. It would be well to 
have a number of them printed on card-board and 
placed in conspicuous places in the rink. 

1. Skating begins at one stroke of the gong, and 
ceases at two strokes of the gong. 

2. No smoking allowed in or about the prem- 
ises, except in the smoking room. 

3. Gentlemen will not soil the floor with tobac- 
co ; others will not be permitted to do so. 

4. Crowding, loud talking or other rude or 
noisy demonstrations, are forbidden. 



RINK ATTRACTIONS. 67 

5. No one should stand, even for a moment, on 
the skating surface, or so as to obstruct the en- 
trance to the place, or the view of others. 

6. In putting on skates, see that that the buck- 
les are upon the outside of the foot. 

7. Never cross the skating surface in passing to 
or from a seat ; always follow the direction of 
the skaters. 

8. Spitting or throwing any substance upon the 
skating surface is dangerous, and will not be per- 
mitted. 

9. Going up or down stairs with skates on is 
dangerous and strictly prohibited. 

10. No stick, cane, string, or other similar 
article, should be taken on the floor. 

Ti. In skating around the circuit, all will ob- 
serve a uniform direction, taking great care never 
to interfere with the movements of others. 

12. No skater should stop, even for an instant, in 
the circuit, except to assist a lady. 

13. Pushing, tripping, racing, tagging or taking 
hold of others' garments, or any rude or dangerous 
actions, are strictly forbidden. 

14. Most falls occur from the feet being parallel 



6S RINK ATTRACTIONS. 

with each other, or nearly so, as in this position 
one foot can not check the movement of the other; 
hence, before attempting to stand upon the skates, 
the beginner should place the heels together, with 
the feet at right angles, in which position they 
should always be, while getting up, sitting down, 
or standing upon skates. 

15. Skating by four, or more than two together, 
should be avoided, while skating in couples should 
be practiced as much as possible, by all sufficiently 
advanced, as there is no other way in which a lady 
and gentleman can make so graceful an appearance. 

16. On removing the skates please return them 
to the skate room, with the heel stra]) of one skate 
buckled and tucked firmly into the buckle of the 
other skate to prevent mismating. 

17. A cheerful compliance with the above, and 
a careful regard for the comfort and enjoyment of 
others, is respectfully requested. 

18. None but those known, or supposed by 
the management to be acceptable to a majority of 
the patrons, will be admitted and furnished with 
skates. 



RISK CLUB SKATE. 




STILE O.-Sizes from 1 to 9. 

This Skate is all of malleable iron, and is the same 
as Style B, except it is copper bronzed instead of nickel 
plated, giving to the trade a skate that has been much 
needed, a Club Skate that costs but little more than 
the ordinary Rink Skate. 



Try the Conner Skate! 

There is JSone Better! 
It Huns Easy! 

Will Last Longer! 

And requires fewer repairs than any Skate in the market. 



THE CONNER 
FanEij Strap Skate, 



STYLE D.-Sizes from 1 to 8. 

This Skate is all of malleable iron, and is especially 
adapted for ladies. It is made of the best material 
throughout, full nickel plated, and as handsomely fin- 
ished as our best Club Skate, and at a price that brings 
it within the reach of everyone who wa^its a handsome 
skate. 



Get the CONNER SKATE and you will 
hai/e the BEST in the Market. 



THE «i©|!S!ll31El 

Indestructible Rink Skate, 




STYLE E— Sizes from 1 to 8. 

Practical experience has proven this skate to be all 
that the name implies, and we feel safe in saying that 
for style, beauty, and durability, it surpasses any Rink 
Skate in the market. They are all of malleable iron, the 
same pattern as Style D, the only difference being they 
are copper bronzed instead of nickel plated. The bracket 
attached to the foot plate, that holds the trucks, is well 
riveted with iron rivets, which makes it almost impossible 
to tear or knock them to pieces. The wheels are of 
Turkish boxwood, with babbitt-metal bushing; straps of 
the best oak tanned leather, and patent buckle. In fact, 
all the material about the skate is the very best, and is 
put together by competent workmen. 



For Circular and Prices, address 

CONNER & MATHER MFG. CO.. 



IBicIinioiicI, Inclt 



WOOD BOTTOM RIM SKATE. 




STYLE F— Wood Bottom. 

These Skates are made of the very best material, 
with boxwood wheels, babbitt bushing, coppered steel 
axles, maple footboards, oak tanned leather, nickel 
heel-plates, and finished in the very best manner. They 
are noiseless in ojDeration, and combine everything 
essential in a first-class Rink Skate. 

Sizes run from i to lo. Children's sizes, oo to o. 



Try the MEl SKATES, They Will Give Vou Ho Trouble. 



^■-^A*''2^^.' 






M^^*%v^ 



vv^^ 



i^^. 



o^ 



CP^ 



f^^"^ 



s^^ 





0' 



,0^ 



Z^ 



c,o. 



N).^ 



<\'o if 







•i», ': 



.-^H- 






';&v^ii-. 



Rl^ 



